8 ideas to promote yourself and your profession

Good school public relations is not just publicity – it’s a total program built on the cooperation of all school employees. One of the essential ingredients is “personal PR” – doing the things that promote both your profession and yourself as a teacher. Some ideas:

1. Doctors do it. Lawyers do it. Proudly display your qualifications to teach – license, diplomas, awards, honors and commendations.
2. Tell your students about yourself and make them aware of your life “outside school.”
3. Surround yourself with personal items that reflect you as an individual – family photos, desk ornaments, plants, books.
4. Bring your family and friends to after-school and community activities.
5. Do business in the community where you teach, and patronize businesses owned or run by your students’ families.
6. Write thank-you notes to students, parents, and colleagues. Use notepaper or stationery that identifies you as a teacher.
7. Use the bulletin board or display case in the front of the building to spotlight individual staff members.
8. Purchase business cards to use when contacting businesses and parents.